When you have decided to start selling your products online, the first step is to take professional product image shots. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, you want to be able to use your pictures on multiple platforms. Next, you should consider the Rule of Thirds and avoid distracting objects or people in your shot. Finally, you should be aware of the light. You should take advantage of window light when possible.
Consider the Rule of Thirds Shooting Product Image:
The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that helps photographers take pleasing and dynamic photos. It can help new photographers develop their compositional skills. In general, the rule focuses on directing viewers’ attention toward key elements. However, it is not always the best approach to take photographs. There are times when breaking the rule can improve an image.
The most basic rule of thirds strategy involves placing your subject on one of four points, which are called power points. These are the intersections of two horizontal lines and two vertical lines in a photo.
When you place your subject on a PowerPoint, it is more likely that the picture will be balanced. This means that the empty space on the remaining two-thirds of the frame will be evenly distributed. You can also use this technique to highlight important parts of your image.
In addition, you can also take advantage of the rule of thirds to create interesting photo designs. Whether it is an ad, PowerPoint, or poster, you can utilize this compositional technique to make your work look more eye-catching.
While the rule of thirds is not a hard rule to follow, it is not necessarily the best way to take a photograph. As with any other photography guideline, you should use your photographic instincts. Using the rule of thirds can be a great way to start your composition, but you may still have trouble determining the exact spots to focus your lens.
Before you can break the rule of thirds, you must learn it well. If you don’t know the rules, it will be very difficult to achieve a good image. Remember that a successful image is a combination of symmetry, color, and contrast. By thinking outside the box, you can make your photos truly stand out. Professional photo editors can help to do it for you.
It is very common to place your main subject in the middle of the frame. But this can be boring. To create a more dynamic and engaging image, try positioning your subject along a power point.
Breaking the rule of thirds can be a fun and rewarding way to take photos. Just remember to be careful when doing so.
Take Advantage of Window light:
For indoor portraits, the window is a prime location for the perfect lighting conditions. However, large windows can be tricky to capture the best of both worlds. Fortunately, there are a few tricks up your sleeve.
One way to go about it is to place your subject at a 45-degree angle to the glass. This will provide a flattering glow to your subject. Another trick is to use sheer white curtains. The sun may be blinding, but the curtain will mitigate the harshness. You can also get creative by closing a window and placing a light on the inside. With the right equipment and a little bit of know-how you can have a professional-looking product shot in no time.
Of course, you need to find the right vantage point to take the photo in the first place. To do this, you will need to plan your lighting scheme in advance. Ideally, you should choose a light that is on the opposite side of the room so you can be sure that the sun is not coming through. Getting into the habit of making note of the direction you are going to place your subject will pay dividends later.
It is also recommended that you consider utilizing artificial lighting, as it is a fact of life that not all window lighting is created equal. Using a softbox or a reflector can help keep the glare at bay. Finally, remember to test your lighting options on a regular basis to ensure you don’t have a blackout in the middle of the night. Having an arsenal of lighting options at hand will allow you to take the most creative pictures possible.
One of the most interesting parts of taking product shots is that you can get creative with your photography equipment. Taking the time to experiment with various lighting schemes is an investment that will pay off in the long run.
Optimize Images for Different Platforms:
The best way to make a dent in the image file size tally is to compress your images in the most efficient manner. By utilizing the right combination of file formats and compression types you can cut the image file size by more than half a megabyte. This is a good thing since you can’t fit all your digital content in a single hunk of pixels.
There are several ways to get there. One of the most effective ways is to utilize the latest in image compression technology. Most web hosts offer free image compression services. However, this does not cover every type of media. It is a good idea to look for hosts that offer specialized support. For example, some providers offer support for the Adobe Photoshop family of products, which can help you optimize your image files.
For instance, the ImageRecyle plugin is an all-in-one PDF and image optimization solution that includes bulk, image, and PDF resizing. Not only can you easily slash the image file size but you can also choose your preferred compression settings. Using a plugin is a good way to ensure that you have the most up-to-date image files in the shortest amount of time. As a result, you can focus on providing the best experience for your visitors.
As a bonus, your website will be faster to load resulting in happier users. In short, using the best image optimization tools will not only increase user engagement but boost performance, too.
Avoid Distractions:
When shooting product images, avoid distractions like tags, packaging, or defects. These elements can ruin the image, especially in high-definition photos. The easiest way to remove distracting elements is to use a white background. If you need to shoot in dark areas, you can add a modifier to your camera to prevent shadows from obscuring your subject. You can also try taking multiple angles of your product to avoid these distractions.
If you are shooting a moving object, you may not be able to avoid distracting elements completely. But you can prevent them from affecting the image as much as possible by timing and blocking them with other elements. To do this, keep your camera level at the same height as your tripod. As an alternative, you can use props to hold the item up. For this, you can use clear or transparent props, which are easier to take out in post-production.
